Cool Videos: Breaking down a scene of The Dark Knight

I'm not sure there's any film that inspires more undying fan loyalty than THE DARK KNIGHT, so to be featuring a profound criticism of the film is probably just asking for trouble.

I'm a fan myself, but I'm always curious to hear conflicting opinions and was very interested by this video made by critic Jim Emerson that breaks down a chase scene from the film. In his own words:

“We notice lapses in visual logic whether our brains register them consciously or not. I found this sequence utterly baffling the first time I saw it, and every subsequent time. At last, I now know exactly why.”

Does he have a point? Or is he just a film snob? Watch below and see what you think. See part 2 here if you want more.

He complains that Dark Knight is full of characters being introduced only seconds before they're dispatched. So I assume he would like a 12-hour cut of the film containing the backstory on every expendable character.

Secondly, Lee Smith has been nominated for two Academy Awards, two ACE Eddie awards, three BAFTA awards, and has been the recipient of numerous other awards for his editing. Jim Emerson was nominated for a Razzy for writing "It's Pat: The Movie". Case closed. We win. Fuck this

He complains that Dark Knight is full of characters being introduced only seconds before they're dispatched. So I assume he would like a 12-hour cut of the film containing the backstory on every expendable character.

Secondly, Lee Smith has been nominated for two Academy Awards, two ACE Eddie awards, three BAFTA awards, and has been the recipient of numerous other awards for his editing. Jim Emerson was nominated for a Razzy for writing "It's Pat: The Movie". Case closed. We win. Fuck this guy.

As a person who is trying to make their living in film and who knows every editing rule he brings up, I think all of his complaints are ridiculously minor. I wasn't confused once during this scene any of the times I've watched it.

That's 0 for 2 on the Press Play videos I've seen. They're nothing but quibbling by people who aren't smart or brave enough to make their own films.

As a person who is trying to make their living in film and who knows every editing rule he brings up, I think all of his complaints are ridiculously minor. I wasn't confused once during this scene any of the times I've watched it.

That's 0 for 2 on the Press Play videos I've seen. They're nothing but quibbling by people who aren't smart or brave enough to make their own films.

This is the definition of Over-Analysis.

When he points out continuity and logistic errors, that's cool because those are some "wtf happened there" moments. But I think only film snobs would look at that scene and freak out about how difficult it was to follow, I never thought that, and nobody I know would ever say that.

When he points out continuity and logistic errors, that's cool because those are some "wtf happened there" moments. But I think only film snobs would look at that scene and freak out about how difficult it was to follow, I never thought that, and nobody I know would ever say that.

Holy Over-Fucking-Analyzing, Batman!

Ok, C'mon, this is a joke...right? Are you really going to bluntly nitpick about some pretty insignificant camerawork details?

If you really wanted to "film-bitch" about something then you could successfully answer to other nitpickers, such as yourself, exactly how did Cypher plug himself into, and back out of, the Matrix on his own or how Indiana Jones survived a 50+ hour, 500 Mile trip on a *submerged* Nazi submarine...simply by clutching onto the hatch. You don't see us TRUE movie

Ok, C'mon, this is a joke...right? Are you really going to bluntly nitpick about some pretty insignificant camerawork details?

If you really wanted to "film-bitch" about something then you could successfully answer to other nitpickers, such as yourself, exactly how did Cypher plug himself into, and back out of, the Matrix on his own or how Indiana Jones survived a 50+ hour, 500 Mile trip on a *submerged* Nazi submarine...simply by clutching onto the hatch. You don't see us TRUE movie lovers dissecting "Raiders" & "Matrix" because we watch movies like those to escape for a while & be entertained.

Dear Mr. Emerson, I'm sorry, but the scene above (& the entire TDK film in general) are NOT some kind of "conspiracist comic-book movie" version of the fucking Zapruder film. A very rare, massively entertaining sequel to a kick-ass comic-book movie franchise shot by creative filmmakers (respectful of the fans & source material) based on characters that have entertained audiences for decades & has stood the test of time...THAT'S what "The Dark Knight" is & should be treated as such.

Ebert does this kind of analysis, but for movies HE LOVES. Emerson doesn't like Nolan's style (not a crime) but he can't stop himself from writing about it. At this point, he's becoming famous for not liking somebody who's well-liked and it's a pathetic reason for being famous!

Ebert does this kind of analysis, but for movies HE LOVES. Emerson doesn't like Nolan's style (not a crime) but he can't stop himself from writing about it. At this point, he's becoming famous for not liking somebody who's well-liked and it's a pathetic reason for being famous!

Ummm Yeah...

1) Could you at least sinc up the sound for your little critique?

2) I saw the movie (and this scene) twice in the theaters and was never confused as to what was going on. Convoy with Dent----> Joker trying to blow up shit ----> Batman saves Dent. It was pretty straight forward. While this scene may not stand the scrutiny of a frame by frame analysis
taken as whole, I thought this scene was very well done and VERY EFFECTIVE within the narrative of the movie as a whole...

3)4:47

1) Could you at least sinc up the sound for your little critique?

2) I saw the movie (and this scene) twice in the theaters and was never confused as to what was going on. Convoy with Dent----> Joker trying to blow up shit ----> Batman saves Dent. It was pretty straight forward. While this scene may not stand the scrutiny of a frame by frame analysis
taken as whole, I thought this scene was very well done and VERY EFFECTIVE within the narrative of the movie as a whole...

3)4:47 "Would've been much more ominous just to go straight into this next shot"?!? Stop right there. That's a subjective criticism. When you make your Batman movie you can better cut to make your film "more ominous" until then stick to what is there...

4) Cutting to anonymous expendable police men "without context?" The context is the chase. The only reason is to imply they are in the car that is about be blown up/smashed/shot...

While this jerk off has some valid points they get lost in the minutia of his over analysis...

Maybe he should actually try making a movie versus taking cheap shots at universally highly regarded film. Visually, I felt Nolan conveyed all the visual information to let you know what is going on within the frame thus the scene and the reviewer simply seems jealous.

Maybe he should actually try making a movie versus taking cheap shots at universally highly regarded film. Visually, I felt Nolan conveyed all the visual information to let you know what is going on within the frame thus the scene and the reviewer simply seems jealous.

Was going to watch it, but saw it was 25 minutes long. I mean, maybe if it was Scorsese doing the breakdown, but not the co-writer of 'Its Pat: The Movie.'

Nolan's a work-in-progress when it comes to staging action sequences, he's not James Cameron or Michael Mann in that regard. But every movie he's made since Batman Begins has been a major step forward for him. With Inception being close to a Star Wars experience in its ability to coherently and cohesively keep together 2-4 concurrent

Was going to watch it, but saw it was 25 minutes long. I mean, maybe if it was Scorsese doing the breakdown, but not the co-writer of 'Its Pat: The Movie.'

Nolan's a work-in-progress when it comes to staging action sequences, he's not James Cameron or Michael Mann in that regard. But every movie he's made since Batman Begins has been a major step forward for him. With Inception being close to a Star Wars experience in its ability to coherently and cohesively keep together 2-4 concurrent action sequences at one time. If Inception is any indication of the game he's bringing to Batman vs. Bane, we're in for a treat gents.

WHAT BULL!! this guy is a tool!! obviously sour becasuse he will never be as big as nolan and never make a masterpiece like dark knight, you can chop every film to bits ever made and find a ton of editing mishaps, who gives a shit? get a life!!

WHAT BULL!! this guy is a tool!! obviously sour becasuse he will never be as big as nolan and never make a masterpiece like dark knight, you can chop every film to bits ever made and find a ton of editing mishaps, who gives a shit? get a life!!

I tried to give this guy a shot and hear what he has to say, but breaking milliseconds of frames is too much, that you cant even enjoy any film you watch if just want to be a dick. critics talk like they understand cinema but none of them have made one

I tried to give this guy a shot and hear what he has to say, but breaking milliseconds of frames is too much, that you cant even enjoy any film you watch if just want to be a dick. critics talk like they understand cinema but none of them have made one

Film School Doucher

I went to film school for 4 years...I had to listen to this bullshit all the time and to be honest this guy lives at home with his mom and was bored one day and decided to take one of the best films created and tell Mr. Nolan why he thinks its bad. This douche will never accomplish anything. I remember hearing that shit when people in class went around the room first day, favorite film, I pick of course Terminator 2, hahaha and then for an hour have to argue my point...I won...fu film school

I went to film school for 4 years...I had to listen to this bullshit all the time and to be honest this guy lives at home with his mom and was bored one day and decided to take one of the best films created and tell Mr. Nolan why he thinks its bad. This douche will never accomplish anything. I remember hearing that shit when people in class went around the room first day, favorite film, I pick of course Terminator 2, hahaha and then for an hour have to argue my point...I won...fu film school douche bags....

Definition of a film snob

If there's nothing actually wrong with the editing then it's pointless to say "THIS WAY IS BETTER, IT COULD HAVE BEEN BETTER", which was basically the sum of his argument. I don't see what was so "wrong" with this scene that he was bashing it for. I'm all for having an unpopular opinion but his claims have no real grounds.

If there's nothing actually wrong with the editing then it's pointless to say "THIS WAY IS BETTER, IT COULD HAVE BEEN BETTER", which was basically the sum of his argument. I don't see what was so "wrong" with this scene that he was bashing it for. I'm all for having an unpopular opinion but his claims have no real grounds.

I welcome criticism of the film, but when people outright call it bad, I just have to laugh. We so rarely get films that are both very good and very entertaining. So, it's a shame people have to rag on The Dark Knight, when it quite fully accomplishes both.

And wow, how very nitpicky. Despite the fact that this is a great action scene, this guy somehow feels uncomfortable about it because of a few complaints that don't matter anyway. Talk about trying harder to find reasons to dislike the

I welcome criticism of the film, but when people outright call it bad, I just have to laugh. We so rarely get films that are both very good and very entertaining. So, it's a shame people have to rag on The Dark Knight, when it quite fully accomplishes both.

And wow, how very nitpicky. Despite the fact that this is a great action scene, this guy somehow feels uncomfortable about it because of a few complaints that don't matter anyway. Talk about trying harder to find reasons to dislike the film.

Guys, just because he didn't like the action scenes in TDK doesn't mean he hated the film as a whole. People really get defensive when someone picks apart their favorite film but everyone should be open minded. This is just part 1 of 3 videos. The second video has him analyzing Salt, where he praises it. He's not a "tool." He has great things to say: [link]
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Guys, just because he didn't like the action scenes in TDK doesn't mean he hated the film as a whole. People really get defensive when someone picks apart their favorite film but everyone should be open minded. This is just part 1 of 3 videos. The second video has him analyzing Salt, where he praises it. He's not a "tool." He has great things to say: [link]

I still don't see the need to analyze an action scene frame by frame. If you don't like the action, then that's fine if had a problem with the effects, the realism or whatever. But, is it necessary to go through every single frame and pointing out tiny editing inconsistencies that any other movie has as well? I'm sure Citizen Kane has editing errors as well.

I still don't see the need to analyze an action scene frame by frame. If you don't like the action, then that's fine if had a problem with the effects, the realism or whatever. But, is it necessary to go through every single frame and pointing out tiny editing inconsistencies that any other movie has as well? I'm sure Citizen Kane has editing errors as well.

can't stand this guy

He's over complicating simple, ominous, beautifully shot scenes with logistics. Who cares where the front or the back of the van is?! All we need to know is he's in a van and things are probably about to get crazy. What does he want a map! God!! Can't stand him.

He's over complicating simple, ominous, beautifully shot scenes with logistics. Who cares where the front or the back of the van is?! All we need to know is he's in a van and things are probably about to get crazy. What does he want a map! God!! Can't stand him.

what a dumbass

this guy is a hack, like ebert, i disagree with everything in the video. like his first point: we see two guards and then harvey enter a convoy so it has to be the same one? fuck no it doesnt...the two guys were outside and harvey was inside.

this guy is a hack, like ebert, i disagree with everything in the video. like his first point: we see two guards and then harvey enter a convoy so it has to be the same one? fuck no it doesnt...the two guys were outside and harvey was inside.

If there's one thing I can't stand about movies, it's the people who feel the need to comb through an entire movie for such tiny inconsistencies, that the whole experience is soured for them. Hey, I have an idea! Why not just sit back, relax, and be entertained, or don't be entertained. Quit picking it apart until there's nothing left, because that's no way to enjoy a piece of ENTERTAINMENT. It's a movie. GET OVER IT.

If there's one thing I can't stand about movies, it's the people who feel the need to comb through an entire movie for such tiny inconsistencies, that the whole experience is soured for them. Hey, I have an idea! Why not just sit back, relax, and be entertained, or don't be entertained. Quit picking it apart until there's nothing left, because that's no way to enjoy a piece of ENTERTAINMENT. It's a movie. GET OVER IT.

who the hell is this guy

Props Mr. Tassi

I personally love Nolan, but this guy's argument does have some merit to it. Its a more academic analysis of the film, but those can be way interesting (Though I never had any trouble understanding the action sequences in any of Nolan's movies). Ultimately I think movies should be judged on the immediate subjective reaction and emotional response that they evoke, but that just comes down to philosophy.

I personally love Nolan, but this guy's argument does have some merit to it. Its a more academic analysis of the film, but those can be way interesting (Though I never had any trouble understanding the action sequences in any of Nolan's movies). Ultimately I think movies should be judged on the immediate subjective reaction and emotional response that they evoke, but that just comes down to philosophy.

Nolan delivers lackluster action scenes??? STOP THE PRESSES! No kidding, why is this news now? Nolan is a master storyteller, that's what makes his films good. The action usually is OK to flat out terrible (Batman Begins) but there are worse weaknesses to have. What's next to report? Ovens are HOT when they are turned on.

Nolan delivers lackluster action scenes??? STOP THE PRESSES! No kidding, why is this news now? Nolan is a master storyteller, that's what makes his films good. The action usually is OK to flat out terrible (Batman Begins) but there are worse weaknesses to have. What's next to report? Ovens are HOT when they are turned on.

He is over thinking it. Action scenes are part of the story in which the audience are engaged in with quick pace, and therefore providing the excitement and suspense it carries. I understand what he's trying to say, but action in film are suppose to make us engage without thought, but rather participate in simple viewing; as if we're are there witnessing it without any type of pensiveness. If there's a fight sequence, I'm not about to analyze how they fight, I would mostly likely would like to

He is over thinking it. Action scenes are part of the story in which the audience are engaged in with quick pace, and therefore providing the excitement and suspense it carries. I understand what he's trying to say, but action in film are suppose to make us engage without thought, but rather participate in simple viewing; as if we're are there witnessing it without any type of pensiveness. If there's a fight sequence, I'm not about to analyze how they fight, I would mostly likely would like to see who wins.

Personally I agree with him. Nolan's action sequences lack any momentum in TDK and Inception. His lack of eye for action has been criticized heavily over the years so it's not like Emerson is in the minority here. I do think he makes some baseless attacks on the film in terms of the police officers being taken out.

Personally I agree with him. Nolan's action sequences lack any momentum in TDK and Inception. His lack of eye for action has been criticized heavily over the years so it's not like Emerson is in the minority here. I do think he makes some baseless attacks on the film in terms of the police officers being taken out.

The problem with this video is that it doesn't touch upon what really makes Dark Knight such a lacklustre mess: shonky dialogue, poorly drawn characters, stilted performances, and gaping plot holes. Take out Ledger and all you have is a half baked yet heinously overwritten homage to Heat with lifeless characters who talk in themes. Like Inception, the narrative expediency of the characters and situations borders on being comical. When all the hype dies down and this bizarre Nolan-cult loses its

The problem with this video is that it doesn't touch upon what really makes Dark Knight such a lacklustre mess: shonky dialogue, poorly drawn characters, stilted performances, and gaping plot holes. Take out Ledger and all you have is a half baked yet heinously overwritten homage to Heat with lifeless characters who talk in themes. Like Inception, the narrative expediency of the characters and situations borders on being comical. When all the hype dies down and this bizarre Nolan-cult loses its fervour, maybe we will all be able to watch his films objectively.

I loved the Dark Knight but I have to admit that the action scenes were lackluster. Nolan, in general, can't direct good action scenes and this analysis just proves it. The fact that there are continuation problems and breaks in spacial logic proves this. I don't know why people are giving this a negative rating when the points Emerson makes in the video (which are quite a lot) is reasonable.

I loved the Dark Knight but I have to admit that the action scenes were lackluster. Nolan, in general, can't direct good action scenes and this analysis just proves it. The fact that there are continuation problems and breaks in spacial logic proves this. I don't know why people are giving this a negative rating when the points Emerson makes in the video (which are quite a lot) is reasonable.